As we near the end of the year, thought it a good time to pause and share some current and recent reads. Always happy to discuss ideas and inspiration or hear your recommendations, do reach out!
I typically have at least one book in the rotation taking a critical look at higher education. The most current read is After the Ivory Tower Falls: How College Broke the American Dream and Blew Up Our Politics–And How to Fix It by Will Bunch. This is a mix of detailed history, current issues, and future directions. Divisions within the United States figure prominently into the discussion.
After discussing divisions, what better thing to do than think of how we bring people together with intention and impact? Whether team meetings or family gatherings or professional conferences, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker, provides practical tips driven by purpose.
Gatherings are one way to build networks, and we have been thinking a lot about social capital and how to support student development in this important area. I have been revisiting Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks by Julia Freeland Fisher with Daniel Fisher to find inspiration for learners of all ages.
Learners of all ages is the primary topic of Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet by Michelle Weise. This is the book I find myself recommending time and again. Combining ideas about the future of work with conversation around the emerging 100 year career leaves readers pondering the big changes ahead for education and employability.
A current work of fiction that I have been savoring is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It has a title inspired by Macbeth, beautiful writing, and stunning construction…plus a chance to learn a bit about game design. I will miss the book and need to start plotting what to read next after finishing this novel.
And for that next book I may be brave enough to pick up my own Internships, Service Learning, and Research Abroad recently published by NAFSA. We will be preparing for some workshops built upon this primer for practitioners and look forward to continuing the conversations.
Again, recommendations welcome. Reach out and share what you’ve been reading (or re-reading….)